Working as a professional within the GIS discipline, I often find it challenging to describe to people what GIS is (in a face to face conversation). Telling them that GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems, which encompasses a set of technologies that can be used to analyze, map, and organize spatial data is a bit over most people heads. On the contrary, telling people that GIS can be used to make maps on a computer falls short of its many potential uses. With this, I'm looking for some effective video examples that one could show somebody that explain both in words and visually what GIS is, and how the technology is utilized (something your Mom could understand)?

I tend to use the "I make maps" line because trying to explain it is over peoples heads most of the time.
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Nathan WOct 10 '11 at 3:55

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I put together apower point presentation called 'What is GIS', about 5 years ago as I was so fed up explaining to people what I did. I now get asked to present it to clients as it clearly demonstrates what it is, and what it isn't. I'll try and get it to dropbox and you can have it, and add to it if you like - Having just moved house, it may take a day or two as it is stored on a hard drive of mine.
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HairyOct 10 '11 at 6:56

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+1 It would be great to see a GIS in plain english similar to the Google Docs in Plain English. The cut and paste they use reminds me of what cartography lab was like in pre-computer days.
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Kirk KuykendallOct 10 '11 at 17:48

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Watched that Google Docs in Plain English video then read the comments. Why I do I always fear for the world when I read youtube comments.
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Nathan WOct 10 '11 at 21:45

+1 Heh. That's what I do. "You know Google Earth? It's like that, but usually more specific. And you can do more stuff with it." Usually I get "Oh. Huh. Okay." (Meaning "I don't really get it, and you're probably a nerd.") If they really want to know more, I list some examples of specific systems or studies using GIS. Just keep it concrete and practical and most people will get the general idea. It's not rocket science, it's just not the way people usually think about the world.
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R ThiedeOct 10 '11 at 13:27